Tag Archives: Entangled

Breaking Him by Sherilee Gray
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: September 5th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Folks in town call him a monster—say he’s dangerous. But I know him simply as Elijah Hays, the quiet, gentle giant who works with the horses on my ranch. I can feel him watching me, that steady intense gaze making me crave things I don’t quite understand, burn in a way that frightens me. He’s always kept his distance…until that night.

I remember him coming to my rescue, me following him into the barn, giving him his first taste of a woman, and his inexperienced yet barely reined touch turning me to ash.

Now all I can think about is exposing the dark desire I see deep inside him—having him turn those dark desires on me. That low, gritty voice rasping orders in my ear. Those huge, rough hands holding me down when a storm blows in.

I want his surrender. His control. I want to break him…and have him break me…

Y’all, I haven’t read some good smut in ages, but Breaking Him pushed allll the right buttons for me. Lovely heroine I adored? Check. Alpha hero who’s the strong and silent type, a cowboy, a gentleman, and a VIRGIN? Check, check, check. Hot, dirty, sweaty, sexy smut where the hero basically worships the heroine and deals out some good dirty talk? CHECK! So basically, I loved this book – I had so much fun reading it, and if the author’s other books are anything like Breaking Him, I’m going to need to start them stat. You can never have too much smut in your life!

I wanted to break through, break him—so I could put him back together piece by piece and make him whole again.

After inheriting her father’s ranch, Abigail has barely been able to keep the ranch afloat. It doesn’t help that every day she’s insanely attracted to and distracted by her ranch hand, the big, brooding Elijah Hays. Thanks to the way he grew up, everyone in their small town thinks he’s a monster, but Abigail’s the only one who knows otherwise. She sees him for the good, kind, honest man he is – that she just happens to imagine him in her sexual fantasies doesn’t influence the way she sees him either. But when Eli accidentally walks in on her masturbation session, the chemistry that’s been brewing between them suddenly explodes, and these two can’t keep their hands off each other.

“You feel so good. So soft and warm and goddamn perfect.” He licked his lips. “Darlin’, you’re all over my hand.” I was gripping his biceps, and the muscles twitched. “I can smell you. Christ, I think I’m losing my mind, Abigail. Making you feel good, it’s all I want to do. I never want to stop.”

I love me some virgin heroes, and a cowboy one at that. Eli is my favorite kind of hero, too, one who’s protective, caring, and willing to do anything for his woman. Abigail is the only one for him, and he makes this so obvious I couldn’t help but swoon. I loved the way these two were together, how well they worked both on the ranch and in bed. And though Eli is a virgin, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know what he’s doing – the smut in Breaking Him nearly reminds me of Tessa Bailey’s, and that’s high praise if you know me 😉 But of course, Abigail and Eli can’t stay on the ranch forever. The town’s judgment, the fate of the ranch, and all the outside forces seem to be against these two being together. But the love and dedication they have for one another isn’t so easy to break.

This is erotic romance at its finest. If you enjoy that genre, you MUST give Breaking Him a try! I loved the characters and the smut. If anyone can tell me where I can find more virgin cowboy heroes, please tell me, because I am ALL about that now. Now I’m off to read more books by Sherilee Gray, because I need more of her smut in my life!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Worked Up by Tessa Bailey
Series: Made in Jersey #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: August 1st 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Factory mechanic Duke Crawford just wants to watch SportsCenter in peace. Unfortunately, living with four divorcee sisters doesn’t provide much silence, nor does it change his stance on relationships. But when a fellow commitment-phobe stumbles into his life, getting him good and worked up, he can’t deny his protective instincts.

Samantha Waverly’s brother just put her in an impossible situation. The only way out? Marry huge, gruff, gladiator look-alike Duke—for show, of course. She doesn’t make promises—she knows too well how easily they can be broken—and this is no exception.

As the blistering attraction between them grows, the lines around the no-strings relationship blur. But Duke and Samantha’s marriage is only for show…or is it?

Does Tessa Bailey ever disappoint!? Since Worked Up is another fabulous read from her, that would be a resounding no. Tessa is the queen of dirty talk and alpha males, but this time she’s introduced us to the Pouty Man Bear (PMB) known as Duke Crawford. He’s big, burly, hairy, sexy, and likes to keep to himself… that is, until Samantha Waverly enters his life. I loved seeing this giant of a man turn to mush for a woman – and his dirty mouth was a plus too. If you’re a fan of Tessa Bailey, I don’t need to tell you to read this, because you probably will, but for those who haven’t experience the wonder that is a TB book, Worked Up will seriously get you worked. up.

Duke has no time for women when he’s got his four divorced sisters living in his home. He’s committed to being single for life, but when Samantha walks into the same bar he’s at, he suddenly can’t seem to focus on SportsCenter or his beer anymore. He feels the strange urge to protect her, to be around her more, but she’s a fellow commitment-phobe herself. Can the two of them ever have a relationship when neither of them imagined ever being in one?

“I see you, sweetheart. Now see the only man who’s going to give you everything in return.”

Samantha is utterly adorable, quirky, and awkward. She can’t help but make the corniest jokes and puns every time she opens her mouth, but luckily Duke likes that about her. She’s hilarious and endearing… and she’s got a problem only Duke can fix. Will Sam be able to keep her heart out of the equation when they’re forced in close proximity, or will this sexy PMB be able to change her stance on relationships?

“I was your warrior our first night, wasn’t I, Sam?”
“Yes.”
“That’s what I’m going to be for the rest of my life. For you. Until you’re sure of me, I’ll go to battle and win my woman.”

Worked Up was so much FUN to read. The sweet, funny moments between Sam and Duke stole my heart and had me smiling like crazy. The chemistry between them had me on fire (obviously, it’s Tessa Bailey). Tessa’s dirty talk seems to only get dirtier and better (or is that the same thing?) with each book – I can’t even imagine what she’ll come up with in future books. Duke and Sam were a total win in this book – but what I’m excited for now is the next Made in Jersey, which will be Tessa’s first M/M romance. I can’t WAIT to get my hands on it!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

One Week to Score by Kate Meader
Series: Tall, Dark, and Texan #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 11th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

He’s the man she loves to hate…

Olivia Kane’s wedding day has just imploded spectacularly. Shots lined up at the bar? Bring it. Hot stranger on the hook? Come on down. What this party does not need is six feet and change of home-grown Texas cockiness in the form of her brother’s best friend, the man who broke her heart seven years ago.

She’s the woman he has to have…

Flynn Cross won’t stand by while Liv finds sensual solace in the arms of a stranger, not when his own hard-for-her body is more than up for the task. For one week, he’ll make her honeymoon-for-one a sizzling party for two.

Breaking the rules, one steamy night at a time…

But the taboo they’re breaking is only the beginning…and Flynn’s part in Liv’s wedding debacle could bring about their end.

Kate Meader never disappoints with her hot and fun contemporary romances! One Week to Score is really the perfect steamy, summer read – it’s got fun characters, a scorching hot chemistry, and an amazing enemies-to-lovers romance you can’t get enough of. It’s quick, light-hearted, and did I mention sexy? So yeah, if you’re in the mood for something to escape to for a little while, this book would be it.

Olivia Kane used to have a huge crush her brother’s best friend, Flynn Cross, and they were good friends… until Flynn up and dumped her and never talked to her again. Years later, Olivia’s about to walk down the aisle to another man – except it turns out her fiancé is a lying cheat. Humiliated and angry on her wedding day, Olivia flies out to her honeymoon with the plan to sleep her way out of her misery. Any gorgeous man will do… but what happens when her former crush and friend, who she now hates, shows up?

“You were off-limits then for a whole host of reasons but now, I’m taking what belongs to me.”

Flynn has always known he’s never been good enough for Olivia. She was the only woman he ever cared about, but he chose to stay away from her when they were younger. Now, things are different, and Flynn’s not about to let Olivia have a fling with a random stranger when he’s there and perfectly willing to let her use him to her heart’s content. But this is Olivia, and despite all the years apart, Flynn finds himself falling fast and hard for her all over again. What happens when the seven-day honeymoon is over and they have to return back to reality?

“You slay me, Liv. Into little pieces. Always have.”

I had SO much fun reading One Week to Score. It was entertaining from start to finish – I LOVE enemies-to-lovers romances, and this was one I didn’t want to put down. Both main characters were well-written and the tension and banter between Flynn and Olivia really had me going. I almost wish the book were longer, because the story went by so fast! If you’re a fan of the author, or the older brother’s best friend/enemies-to-lovers tropes, then I highly recommend giving One Week to Score a try!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Disgraced cop Henrik Vance is having a shit year. Banished to a derelict undercover squad, he’s been tasked with hunting down the daughter of Chicago’s most dangerous criminal. His obsession with saving the beautiful girl destroyed his career. And this time, it might cost his life.

Ailish O’Kelly doesn’t need a hero. She’ll save herself from her father’s violent criminal dynasty, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the sexy as sin cop who crashes her hideout isn’t hearing reason—especially not after the kiss that becomes much more.

His boss wants her as an informant. Ailish wants Henrik to keep whispering filthy things against her skin. But she knows too well the evil they’re up against, and when it comes down to protecting the man who owns her body and soul, she only has one choice…

Calling all Tessa Bailey fans!! Henrik Vance is going to be your new upcoming favorite dirty-talking alpha hero! Gah, I totally adored him. I don’t know how the author does it, but with every book, she’s able to write such a fabulous romance with the HOTTEST dirty talk and steamy scenes ever! I loved Raw Redemption, but I am sad that the Crossing the Line series is now over. I’ve loved this series since Bowen was first introduced in Risking It All, and I’ve fallen in love more and more with every misfit character introduced. Thankfully, Tessa Bailey ends the series with a bang – Raw Redemption is a romantic, suspenseful, enchanting read I couldn’t put down. It’s a fantastic romance between a fallen-from-grace cop and and a mafia boss’s daughter – what could be better than that!?

We were first introduced to Henrik in Boiling Point, and I’d honestly never been so excited for a character to get his story! Love at first sight has nothing on Henrik Vance. If you’re not a fan of instalove, this probably won’t be for you, but if you have no problem with it, Henrik is your man. Here, we have a disgraced cop who ruined his career on purpose by getting rid of evidence that would put his woman in jail. Nothing and nobody touches Ailish O’Kelly… except for Henrik, of course. 😉 Now, an ex-cop, he’s forced to join an undercover unit of criminals who use their skills for good. A new case pops up that involves Ailish – and now nothing’s going to stop him from going after her, protecting her, and claiming her.

The landscape of his insides shifted, like two fault lines parting and relocating after an earthquake. This girl. She was either going to be his reason for living or the reason he died. It was all right there, shining in front of him like a spotlight.

Ailish may be the daughter of a criminal, but she wants nothing to do with the underworld of crime. Her father kept her in a metaphorical prison, never allowing her to do anything she wanted. She’s now escaped from that life, and she’ll do whatever it takes to survive even as her father is looking for her. What she doesn’t expect is a gorgeous, alpha, protective man to show up at her doorstep, get under her skin, and into her heart.

“I passed need weeks ago. Need is just a word. I am my starvation for you, Ailish. It rules me.”

Raw Redemption is instalove at its finest. I totally LOVE when alpha heroes go head-over-heels for their woman, and you don’t get any better than Tessa Bailey’s heroes. Henrik is absolutely heart-melting, and Ailish is perfect for him. I adored them together, and the chemistry between them? Over-the-roof hot. The suspense plot of the story wasn’t quite as good as the romance or as memorable, but I really had no problem with that, because I loved Henrik and Ailish too much. Raw Redemption is an incredible conclusion to this unique, sexy series. I’m sad to see it end, but also glad I got to experience it. If you haven’t read the Crossing the Line series, you are missing out! It’s one of Tessa Bailey’s best series, and if you love sexy, dirty reads with some suspense mixed it, you definitely need to start it!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

Disgraced cop Henrik Vance is having a shit year. Banished to a derelict undercover squad, he’s been tasked with hunting down the daughter of Chicago’s most dangerous criminal. His obsession with saving the beautiful girl destroyed his career. And this time, it might cost his life.

Ailish O’Kelly doesn’t need a hero. She’ll save herself from her father’s violent criminal dynasty, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the sexy as sin cop who crashes her hideout isn’t hearing reason—especially not after the kiss that becomes much more.

His boss wants her as an informant. Ailish wants Henrik to keep whispering filthy things against her skin. But she knows too well the evil they’re up against, and when it comes down to protecting the man who owns her body and soul, she only has one choice…

He’s been a cop too long not to recognize the signs of a woman running from her past.

She’s not who she says she is—and isn’t about to share her secrets.

Sexy-as-sin Police Chief Mike Flannery knows the new arrival to Hopewell Springs is trouble. She has a smoking-hot body and a quick wit…and he’ll be damned if that’s not a turn-on. But this former NYPD cop and small-town heartthrob has been burned before, and there’s no way he’ll let that happen again.

New York City Detective Cassie Yates is on the run. A six-month undercover sting in a sleazy bar seemed like a textbook arrest—but now there’s a hit out on her. Armed with fake ID, her K-9 companion, and a police-issued SUV, she flees to a quiet upstate town where she trades her badge and gun for a spatula, finally finding peace in the dream she tossed aside to follow her family into law enforcement.

There’s no denying the fire and ice between them. But as the hired assassin closes in, Mike’s past comes roaring back and secrets are revealed in an explosion destined to tear them apart—if not destroy them.

Stranger in My House by Mari Manning
Series: A Murder in Texas #2
Publication Date: June 13th 2016

When Kirby Swallow assumes her half sister’s identity to help figure out who’s threatening her, she finds herself in way over her head. On the remote Texas ranch her sister calls home, she confronts a growing list of suspects and a rising body count—all while wearing her sister’s 4-inch heels. The only problem is the sexy ranch manager, Seth Maguire, is starting to catch on to the charade. The attraction between them is undeniable—and soon, what starts out as just a one-night stand, turns into something much deeper. But someone on the ranch is out for blood…and Kirby’s next.

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